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7.5 Gallon Nano Cube Research before the build


craftytony

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Hey guys, so I've previously run 24, 90, and 210 gallon tanks. I've been out of the hobby for almost 5 years now and I see some things have definitely changed. Namely LED lighting.

 

So, I've been researching this past week on what I'll need to get going with the new 7.5 gallon tank I just got. It is just a simple cube with no built in chambers/overflow. I'd like to throw out there what I've purchased and plan on purchasing, and hopefully get some good feedback on if you believe it's the right way to go.

 

LIGHTING

Today I ordered the Reef Breeders Nano-Lite Wifi recommended to me by a fellow reefer.

https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/nano-lite/

 

MECHANICAL FILTRATION/RETURN

Initially I was looking at getting the Hagen Aquaclear Power Filter 20, but I read an older post that showed a lot of people used the Aquaclear Power Filter 70 due to the extra water volume, a place to put a heater, and also modding them to grow cheato. Is this still a thing? Should I stick with the APF 20? Are there better options?

My initial plans were to use the back chamber of these units to hold carbon and phos.

 

CIRCULATION PUMP

I'm not sure how much flow the Hagen Aqua Clear Filters provide. Would the APF 20 require another pump, I read the APF 70 would need to be dialed down, so if I went this route would an extra powerhead not be required?

I found the Hydor Pico Evo-Mag 4W Circulation Pump 180GPH online and thought it would be good to provide some good flow. But would this be too powerful in a 7.5 gallon setup?

 

HEATER
No idea here, I'd like something as small and reliable as possible and something that would fit in the HOB filter.

 

Anyway, thanks in advance for your opinions/tips/recommendations!

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Looks like your off to a good start with the research.

I think the AC70 would be the preferred route in this case. You can get an intank basket and setup a fuge, as well as add a good bit of water and healthy flow to the system.

Speaking of your flow situation, it's entirely up to what your going to grow. SPS are going to require more flow than LPS and softies.

Just make sure that if you go high flow, to get a heavier sand. If you do go with a powerhead I'd Recommend either an Ecotech MP10, or a Jebao RW10/WP10, or Hydor Koralia Nano, those are also in order of most expensive to least. ;)

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Yeah, I will probably have some SPS in their since I would have a light that can support them. With the powerhead I was hoping to get one as small as possible, is the Hydor Pico not a good option?

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I was running a 9 gallon tank until recently. Upgraded it to a 25 gallon cube but I figure my recent experience could be helpful.

 

For filtration I had a modified AC70. Modded it to have macro algae and there was also enough room for a sponge and carbon and it worked perfectly for a tank that size. One note is you're going to have to dial back the flow because the 70 puts out a lot for a tank that size.

 

I also have the Nano-Lite Wifi and it's been great. The only complaint I had with the light on the smaller tank was that its footprint is larger and so you're going to have light bleed. If this is a display tank set up somewhere then it's probably not as much of an issue but I had it on my desk and it was irritating while I was working. One reason why I upgraded to a larger tank where the light still performs admirably. You'll be able to keep anything under that light in a tank that size.

 

I had a Hydor Pico. I'd stay away from it. The thing had an irritating vibration from day one that was loud and translated into my desk so my keyboard and mouse were constantly buzzing. Eventually got rid of it and picked up an AquaTop CPS-1 that's rates at 256gph. You'll have to adjust a bit to keep it from being too intense in a tank that size, but I liked it and it provided more than enough flow.

 

For heat I ran a Cobalt NeoTherm 50w. Those guys have a slim low profile and are great for tiny tanks. A little pricey compared to other heaters, but worth the investment imo.

 

Hope that helps!

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